Pak ready to go extra mile if India resumes peace process: Qureshi

“It goes without saying that neither peace nor stability can be achieved in isolation. They need strong partnerships and willingness to build bridges and walk the talk on the high road to peace and equal security,” he said at a seminar here.

Qureshi said he hosted Krishna for talks “as part of efforts to recommence the stalled dialogue in pursuit of our endeavours for durable peace in the region,albeit without a corresponding positive response.” Pakistan is prepared to go the “extra mile” if India takes steps to resume the peace process,he said.

Qureshi’s talks with Krishna here on July 15 ended on an acrimonious note with sharp differences coming out in the open. Pakistan wanted to discuss the Kashmir issue but India was not ready as it insisted on visible action against terrorism,specifically in the Mumbai attacks case,before other topics could be talked about.

Qureshi said Pakistan wants to discuss all outstanding issues,so they can be resolved peacefully. “Pakistan remains firmly committed to the objective of peace and stability in South Asia,” he said,adding that Pakistan is pursuing a three-pronged approach with India to achieve this. “This includes a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes,including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir; strategic restraint and conventional balance; and close cooperation for the socio-economic development and welfare of our peoples,” he said.

Qureshi also said during the recent talks India had focussed only on its concerns related to terrorism and the 2008 Mumbai attacks even though Pakistan faces Mumbai-like incidents almost everyday.

Qureshi said he hoped India’s politicians,civil society and intellectuals will discourage any move that endangers peace in South Asia. He said Pakistan is prepared to mount a “swift and effective” response to any attack on it.

India and Pakistan need to avoid an arms race and resolve outstanding issues so that they can focus on more pressing issues like tackling poverty and boosting socio-economic development,Qureshi said.